Teisha Marie

As the pandemic drags along with no real end in sight, many are met with a decision to make. One can either allow the fear of uncertainty to overcome them or they move forward in faith and, hopefully, a bit of common sense. Singer-songwriter Teisha Marie has chosen the latter and is using her art to encourage us all to do the same. Her latest single “Now” serves as a bright beacon of light while many struggle to navigate through the darkness. - Soulbounce.com

*Roughly translated* "Hip-hop, samba, Classical, go-go, R & B, pop, rock, gospel, jazz, a capella - it's all woven into this album. I dig pretty much every genre but death metal! "Thus, and not otherwise, one should imagine the sound-collecting basin in the us Teisha Marie, entitled" invites The Girl From Nowhere '. Exactly the woman who already sustained by "Desire" and its cooperation with the Crossroads team (both of course intervene even at Sonic Soul Reviews) has impressed us this season, comes to meet us as Soul-rounder with attitude. One thing is certain - in search of his favorites is man / woman sure to find something - so, let's go! - SonicSoulReview.com

Standout Track: No. 7, "Strive," a bubbly, house-driven song that finds singer Teisha Marie at her wit’s end. "Getting tired of dancing to the same song in a different way," sings the Fort Washington resident, 31. "It’s time to move on, I need a change." "Strive" was the third song recorded for Marie’s new LP, The Girl From Nowhere, her first album since 2008's Addicted to Life. While that release followed a more straightforward R&B formula, The Girl From Nowhere experiments with hip-hop, jazz, and rock.

Musical Motivation: Marie, a music teacher in Prince George’s County, says she wrote the song because "I was fed up and sick of my job." For "Strive," Marie initially wanted to sample a cello part from Frank Sinatra’s "It Was a Very Good Year." She explained the idea to "Strive" producer Ahmed Sirour, and he took it in an entirely different direction, turning it into an upbeat dance track.

Budget Negotiations: To find inspiration for The Girl From Nowhere, Marie drew from her own story. She grew up an Air Force brat and "nerdy tomboy" who didn’t always fit in. She had plenty to say for this album, just not enough money to pay for it. "It’s all funded from a music teacher’s salary," Marie says. "I’m gonna ride this one until the wheels fall off." - Washington City Paper

Teisha Marie was one of the first artists to receive the Bounce-Worthy distinction back in 2007 shortly after SoulBounce opened its virtual doors. Since that time, things have been kinda quiet from her direction, but the DMV native and resident has been diligently working on new material and we're finally getting to hear the fruits of her labor. "Desire (The Hidden Places)" is the first single from her upcoming spring release, The Girl From Nowhere, and it is a sexy mood-setter ready for your after hours playlist. Teisha smolders over production from Ahmed Sirour who sets the tone for seduction with a pulsating beat and slinky synthesizer. If the music sounds familiar that's because the instrumental track, "The Hidden Places," was originally found on Sirour's The After 2am Sessions LP. Teisha Marie adds the right amount of sugar and spice with her inviting lyrics. The pair have worked together before on her debut album, Addicted To Life, but you can hear how both have grown as artists since that record and taken things to a sensual new level. Press play to experience "Desire (The Hidden Places)" and have your sweetheart to warm you up or a cold beverage to cool you down nearby. - Soulbounce.com

Teisha Marie
Addicted To Life - The LP
(Teisha Marie Music : 2009)85BPosted on 05/04/2009
Teisha Marie did not set out to be a musical artist, but one listen to her debut album, Addicted to Life — The LP, quickly dispels that notion. The voice of this England born/Maryland raised singer glides effortlessly across tightly-crafted production, giving her the canvas to paint vivid pictures about life — love found and lost, deception, determination and self-fulfillment.

On this recording, Marie channels the Philly sound, blending soul, jazz and reggae over fourteen tracks, each one with its own distinct style and flair. But while she thrives, listeners may be left searching for more standout qualities in Marie, as her voice and cadence sound similar to Jill Scott’s. Although her influences are noticeable throughout the album, Marie still makes her mark as a force to be reckoned with in today’s musical landscape, with just enough individuality to quench your thirst.

Marie sings with confidence, but the LP begins with a humble statement. “I don’t remember how I started singing these songs,” Marie says on “Addicted — The Definition,” the album’s intro. “I just started writing and then, I had these songs and I was like, I guess, maybe I should record ‘em?” Then on the uptempo title track, “Addicted to Life,” Marie proclaims that she’s “addicted to life, the ups, the downs, and in-betweens.” The drum snare summons the spirit of J-Dilla, and the rhythm sounds like a summer evening in the whip with the windows down.

But it’s not only about Marie’s personal path on this album. On “Txt Msg,” she plays the role of mentor, telling young women and men to strive for greatness, despite life’s lurking temptations. On the reggae-tinged “Professional Liar,” Marie addresses the dishonesty of former prez George ‘Dubbya’ Bush. “Unavailable” finds her making one last emotional plea to a significant other via voicemail. And on the ultra-smooth “Legacy,” Marie pays homage to her deceased grandparents through a spoken-word poem that conveys a clear message of respect and sense of appreciation for heritage.

Addicted to Life — The LP is a delectable morsel of neo-soul, suitable for adolescents and the grown and sexy alike. Listeners will enjoy Marie’s lyrics, easy-going nature and sweet voice, played against the crisp soundscape of Ahmed Sirour, Chris Lecount, Steadfast and others. With that said, her next project ought to have more of her own flavor. Teisha Marie is not a household name, but fans should not hesitate to pick up this album. As she puts it, “Everybody’s got their own path, let me tell you a little bit about mine.” Get addicted.

- Marcus Moore - Okayplayer.com

*Roughly translated* "Hip-hop, samba, Classical, go-go, R & B, pop, rock, gospel, jazz, a capella - it's all woven into this album. I dig pretty much every genre but death metal! "Thus, and not otherwise, one should imagine the sound-collecting basin in the us Teisha Marie, entitled" invites The Girl From Nowhere '. Exactly the woman who already sustained by "Desire" and its cooperation with the Crossroads team (both of course intervene even at Sonic Soul Reviews) has impressed us this season, comes to meet us as Soul-rounder with attitude. One thing is certain - in search of his favorites is man / woman sure to find something - so, let's go! - SonicSoulReview.com

My mountain will soon be a valley.

I believe in what I can’t see.

My ocean will soon be a river.

Softly flowing ‘round me.�

-“Mountains and Valleys,� Teisha Marie

The pages of one’s personal journal are sacred space. Between the lines, a writer can be free and expressive beyond imagination. They can chose to be a willing lover, trusted friend, wise advisor, or vulnerable human. But this sacred space is only open to those the writer deems worthy, if anyone at all. England-born, Maryland-raised, Teisha Marie has deemed the world worthy by inviting us to enjoy her new album, Addicted to Life.

With a spirit reminiscent of Jill Scott and voice smooth and full like Aja Graydon (Kindred the Family Soul), Teisha opens her journal with the title track, “Addicted to Life� describing her passion for music and the inability to suppress her spirit as an artist. Her love is a natural “addiction� to be celebrated not hidden away. On the track, “Txt Msg,� Teisha gently pleads with a young girl and boy to stay true to themselves. The false realities of media images or harsh realities of many Black communities are no reason not to believe in yourself or your potential (Advice good for anyone at any age). Teisha gracefully blends spoken word and music on the seductive and melodic song, “Moonlight in the Meadow.� “Moonlight� is a heavenly love song expressing the gentleness and vulnerability of love. She invites her lover to follow the moon’s path and journey to a love that is preciously meant for them and no one else. Teisha Marie ends Addicted to Life with a soul lifting piece titled, “Mountains and Valleys.� Like a writer reflecting back on past journal entries, she takes stock of the ups and downs of her life. Each moment has a purpose. Each moment has a lesson. The collective experience is beautiful, worthy of praise not scorn.

A good album, like a personal journal, will take you through many emotions and phases of an artist’s experience. The songs are like chapters of Teisha Marie’s journal telling of love, life, and personal growth. Addicted to Life is a soulful journey into the world of Teisha Marie. Perhaps she’ll let us flip another page... - 4DaSoul.com

My mountain will soon be a valley.

I believe in what I can’t see.

My ocean will soon be a river.

Softly flowing ‘round me.�

-“Mountains and Valleys,� Teisha Marie

The pages of one’s personal journal are sacred space. Between the lines, a writer can be free and expressive beyond imagination. They can chose to be a willing lover, trusted friend, wise advisor, or vulnerable human. But this sacred space is only open to those the writer deems worthy, if anyone at all. England-born, Maryland-raised, Teisha Marie has deemed the world worthy by inviting us to enjoy her new album, Addicted to Life.

With a spirit reminiscent of Jill Scott and voice smooth and full like Aja Graydon (Kindred the Family Soul), Teisha opens her journal with the title track, “Addicted to Life� describing her passion for music and the inability to suppress her spirit as an artist. Her love is a natural “addiction� to be celebrated not hidden away. On the track, “Txt Msg,� Teisha gently pleads with a young girl and boy to stay true to themselves. The false realities of media images or harsh realities of many Black communities are no reason not to believe in yourself or your potential (Advice good for anyone at any age). Teisha gracefully blends spoken word and music on the seductive and melodic song, “Moonlight in the Meadow.� “Moonlight� is a heavenly love song expressing the gentleness and vulnerability of love. She invites her lover to follow the moon’s path and journey to a love that is preciously meant for them and no one else. Teisha Marie ends Addicted to Life with a soul lifting piece titled, “Mountains and Valleys.� Like a writer reflecting back on past journal entries, she takes stock of the ups and downs of her life. Each moment has a purpose. Each moment has a lesson. The collective experience is beautiful, worthy of praise not scorn.

A good album, like a personal journal, will take you through many emotions and phases of an artist’s experience. The songs are like chapters of Teisha Marie’s journal telling of love, life, and personal growth. Addicted to Life is a soulful journey into the world of Teisha Marie. Perhaps she’ll let us flip another page... - 4DaSoul.com

Singer Teisha Marie is Addicted To Life. And with her debut seven (7) track CD of the same title, this 26 year old England born/Maryland raised singer, songwriter, and Spelman Graduate, presents an eclectic CD that speaks of life, love and happiness.

Addicted to Life hearkens to sitting in your car on a warm summer day and hearing music on the radio with a Jill Scott/Lauryn Hill vibe. Teisha's music captures your attention as you find your head bouncing and foot tapping to the rhythm. This CD has a poetic vibe where jazz meets soul with many songs expressing passion with hot neo-soul licks and beats. Throughout the CD Teisha expresses herself through lyrics of life experiences, relationships, and empowerment.

Many listeners will themselves become addicted to Addicted To Life and will embrace this fresh young talent. Recommended. - Soul Tracks

Singer Teisha Marie is Addicted To Life. And with her debut seven (7) track CD of the same title, this 26 year old England born/Maryland raised singer, songwriter, and Spelman Graduate, presents an eclectic CD that speaks of life, love and happiness.

Addicted to Life hearkens to sitting in your car on a warm summer day and hearing music on the radio with a Jill Scott/Lauryn Hill vibe. Teisha's music captures your attention as you find your head bouncing and foot tapping to the rhythm. This CD has a poetic vibe where jazz meets soul with many songs expressing passion with hot neo-soul licks and beats. Throughout the CD Teisha expresses herself through lyrics of life experiences, relationships, and empowerment.

Many listeners will themselves become addicted to Addicted To Life and will embrace this fresh young talent. Recommended. - Soul Tracks

Süchtig nach Leben. Süchtig nach Aufmerksamkeit. Süchtig danach, ihre Gefühlswelt einem großen Publikum vorzustellen. Wohl deshalb hat Teisha Marie wohl vor drei ihre EP „Addicted To Life“ veröffentlicht und nun gleichnamig „The LP“ nachgelegt hat.

Philadelphia hat sie geprägt – als Wohnort wie auch musikalische Inspiration. Marie ist mit einer schmiegsamen Stimme ausgestattet, die sie bei ihren neosouligen Liedern clever einzusetzen weiß. Mal herausfordernd bestimmt wie bei „Economics“, mal verräterisch sanft wie beim südlich klingenden „Professional Liar“ und dann wieder nach Aufmerksamkeit rufend „Legacy“. Letzteres ein wahres Spoken-Word-Meisterwerk im Stile ihrer Kollegin Jill Scott. Die Texte sprühen vor Lebensfreude, sie sind frech, besingen die Liebe und die Hürden eines typischen Menschenlebens. Sehr nachdenklich stimmen daher auch „Inner Truth“ und „More Important“, während der Titeltrack von Maries Lebensucht erzählt. Auf „K.O.N.“ spielt eine Gitarre, Lagerfeuerstimmung kommt aber zum Glück nicht auf, die Pfadfinder dürfen den Chor einer Marie Platz machen und nur still lauschen.

Zum Höhepunkt hin darf man bei „Awaken“ mit einem Lächeln erwachen. Das leichte Pianospiel im Hintergrund klingt nach einer Souffleuse, die die Sängerin Teisha Marie zu weiteren Tönen ermuntert. Was für ein Bild, wenn man bedenkt, dass eine Frau mit diesem Talent tatsächlich weiter machen sollte. Zumal Marie bestimmt nie von ihrer Sucht befreit werden sollte. Addicted to life. Hoffentlich „forever“.


von Linda Könnecke
- Soulsite